Main Entry:

cor·tex

Pronunciation:

\ˈkȯr-ˌteks\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural cor·ti·ces \ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsēz\ or cor·tex·es

Etymology:

Latin cortic-, cortex bark — more at cuirass

Date:

1677

1 a (1): the outer or superficial part of an organ or bodily structure (as the kidney, adrenal gland, or cerebellum or a bone) ; especially : cerebral cortex (2): the proteinaceous usually pigmented layer of a hair below the cuticle b: the outer part of some organisms (as paramecia)2: a plant bark or rind (as cinchona) used medicinally3 a: the typically parenchymatous layer of tissue external to the vascular tissue and internal to the corky or epidermal tissues of a green plant ; broadly : all tissues external to the xylem b: an outer or investing layer of various algae, lichens, or fungi